Music or royalty?

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33655, 3 October 1974, Page 12

Music or royalty?

Sir, — While I appreciate that members of the N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra were gratified by the full house at last Friday’s concert, I cannot agree that Shah-gazing was tne attraction. I would suggest that local esteem for the soloist, Michael Houstoun, encouraged such enthusiastic attendances. As one of the “avid music-lovers,” I am of the opinion that both the orchestra and the Royal couple were completely over-shad-owed by the brilliance of Houstoun’s artistry. — Yours, etc., CAD. October 1, 1974.

Sir, — Blanche Norton suggests the reason for the large audience for the N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra last .week was because of the presence of the Shah of Iran, but surely the reason was simply that the programme was of popular appeal. This year most programmes have been of little known music and some of it not particularly good, as C.F.B. pointed out. Naturally it is good to hear unfamiliar music, but we shall not get the “House Full” notices for symphony concerts unless it is mixed in with some well loved classics. — Yours, MUSIC LOVER. October 1, 1974. Sir, — I wish to protest at the remarks made by Blanche Norton regarding the attendance at the N.Z.B.C. concert on Friday night. All bookings were done by post about two weeks in advance. At that time most of those who attended like myself and friends had no idea whatever that the Shah would be attending. The excellent attendance would be because of the guest artist and choice of programme. Why was there a good attendance the next night too? I feel remarks like those of Blanche Norton do nothing for music in this city. — Yours, etc., G. E. G. BURGESS. October 1, 1974. [This correspondence is now closed.—Editor.]